Expert Comments

Ron Guth: The 1892-O Micro O half dollar is the rarest in the Barber half dollar series. It is believed that the mintmark punch used by the engraver was meant for a quarter dollar rather than the half dollar. A population study was undertaken about 2003 by a member of the Barber Collectors Society (Michael Flanagan) and he published all known examples (certified and raw) for a total of just over 50 coins.

The 1892-O Micro O half dollar is usually well struck but often comes with a bit of weakness in the upper right shield and on the eagle's wing. Uncirculated examples often have proof-like or semi proof-like fields. A die crack through the date is seen in most examples. It is believed that the improperly-sized mintmark was discovered fairly early and that the die was then taken out of service, thus accounting for the relatively few examples that are known. This variety was discovered not very long afterwards and examples were sought even in the early 1900s.

-- Contributed by Dr. Peter Shireman

Gordon Wrubel: Quickfinder Notes: The discovery of the variety has been credited to prominent numismatist, Howard R. Newcomb of Detroit, Michigan in 1914.

The Micro O can be identified not only by the its small size, but more importantly, the SHAPE of its Mint Mark. The left wall of the O is VERY THIN, while the right wall is VERY THICK. It is actually at least twice as thick as the left wall. Also the interior of the mint mark is shaped like an upright FOOTBALL. These features are diagnostic and can even be seen on well worn coins. The regular size 1892-O mint mark has EVEN SIDE WALLS and the interior is OVAL shaped, like the O in the word DOLLAR below it.
The Micro O is very rare. It is estimated that less than 100 exist in all grades. It may come as a surprise to some observers that several Mint State specimens exist. But one has to remember that this was a First Year issue and many were saved as souvenirs.